2024-2025 Season Random Penguins Fodder

[KG]

Looks like Hayes in for Beauvillier and Pickering for Shea.

Looking at the lines, Sullivan clearly prefers to have at least 1 defensive minded winger playing on each of the top 3 lines. Rust, Glass, DOC. Problem is Glass doesn't score enough to be a top 6 winger and Geno can't carry the mail himself anymore. Tomasino should just be in the top 6 and maybe spread the top line wealth around to the 2nd line.

I would argue that Sullivan's approach isn't working since we are last in the league in GAA. But...

[EndO FanEra]

More specifics from Sullivan on Puljujarvi, from DK Feed Link

"We feel like we've got a really good handle on his game," Sullivan said of Puljujarvi. "Jesse and I have had a number of conversations throughout his time in Pittsburgh, and I've tried to define what the expectations are for Jesse in his game, when he goes in every night, how we're trying to deploy him in the role that he plays on our team in order to help the Penguins be successful."

Sullivan acknowledged Puljujarvi has played "extremely well" at times, but added there needs to be "an element of conscientious play," too.

"That's where Jesse and I have had points of contention," Sullivan said. "And a lot of it just boils down to details. You know, positioning in the defensive zone, what you're supposed to do off faceoffs, rush coverage when you're tracking back, what our rules are, awareness and recognition away from the puck, things of that nature."
===============================================

To be fair to Sullivan, that's a pretty good description of what he's not doing that numbers aren't going to show. He didn't mention anything about PK. It's more about playing the right way within the system and being where he is supposed to be, so that he meshes with what the other guys are doing on the ice, being where they are supposed to be. That probably goes deeper into a system level of things that I'm not going to pick out just watching JP on TV and how he's playing.

So in other words, in Sullivan's mind, Puljujarvi's offensive ability is outweighed by his defensive deficiencies. Yet Nieto's defensive abilities far outweigh his serious offensive deficiencies. I don't know but I'll take Puljujarvi over Nieto every day of the week.

Not to mention, Puljujarvi is a 26 year old, former 4th overall pick, that has faced some adversity/injuries, but is playing some of his best hockey to date. Versus Neito, a 32 year old journeyman on the tail end of his career.

[pekkasteele]

More specifics from Sullivan on Puljujarvi, from DK Feed Link

"We feel like we've got a really good handle on his game," Sullivan said of Puljujarvi. "Jesse and I have had a number of conversations throughout his time in Pittsburgh, and I've tried to define what the expectations are for Jesse in his game, when he goes in every night, how we're trying to deploy him in the role that he plays on our team in order to help the Penguins be successful."

Sullivan acknowledged Puljujarvi has played "extremely well" at times, but added there needs to be "an element of conscientious play," too.

"That's where Jesse and I have had points of contention," Sullivan said. "And a lot of it just boils down to details. You know, positioning in the defensive zone, what you're supposed to do off faceoffs, rush coverage when you're tracking back, what our rules are, awareness and recognition away from the puck, things of that nature."
===============================================

To be fair to Sullivan, that's a pretty good description of what he's not doing that numbers aren't going to show. He didn't mention anything about PK. It's more about playing the right way within the system and being where he is supposed to be, so that he meshes with what the other guys are doing on the ice, being where they are supposed to be. That probably goes deeper into a system level of things that I'm not going to pick out just watching JP on TV and how he's playing.

From that I took "in the role that he plays on our team", and that is, I guess, as a defensive 4th liner, maybe the try him in a role that fits him, that helps the team win?

[Pens4Life]

Hahaha,omg these lines again.. why Hayes as 3rd line C,but not Lizotte? Why Glass on 2nd line RW with 1 goal whole season (I bet he gonna score tonight, I luckjinxed him now lol)..

Why not put DOC or Tomasino on 2nd line? Puljujarvi finally on some line for Nieto??

[KG]

Hahaha,omg these lines again.. why Hayes as 3rd line C,but not Lizotte? Why Glass on 2nd line RW with 1 goal whole season (I bet he gonna score tonight, I luckjinxed him now lol)..

Why not put DOC or Tomasino on 2nd line? Puljujarvi finally on some line for Nieto??

Someone in the media needs to ask Sully why did he remove Lizotte from 3C? Was he scoring too many goals?? Sully clearly has him pigeon-holed as a 4C no matter how good he played at 3C. Very frustrating for the player I'm sure. He said he can contribute more offensively then he did in LA and was briefly given the chance here but now Glass and Hayes are better options.

[Victor]

29yo AHL D for ECHL forward.

[Daniel]

More specifics from Sullivan on Puljujarvi, from DK Feed Link

"We feel like we've got a really good handle on his game," Sullivan said of Puljujarvi. "Jesse and I have had a number of conversations throughout his time in Pittsburgh, and I've tried to define what the expectations are for Jesse in his game, when he goes in every night, how we're trying to deploy him in the role that he plays on our team in order to help the Penguins be successful."

Sullivan acknowledged Puljujarvi has played "extremely well" at times, but added there needs to be "an element of conscientious play," too.

"That's where Jesse and I have had points of contention," Sullivan said. "And a lot of it just boils down to details. You know, positioning in the defensive zone, what you're supposed to do off faceoffs, rush coverage when you're tracking back, what our rules are, awareness and recognition away from the puck, things of that nature."
===============================================

To be fair to Sullivan, that's a pretty good description of what he's not doing that numbers aren't going to show. He didn't mention anything about PK. It's more about playing the right way within the system and being where he is supposed to be, so that he meshes with what the other guys are doing on the ice, being where they are supposed to be. That probably goes deeper into a system level of things that I'm not going to pick out just watching JP on TV and how he's playing.

As bad as this team is defensively, and has been for years, I think it's unfair to take that approach with a younger player. MS isn't really consistent with that message.

[Sigwolf]

As Sullivan has gotten more comfortable in his position on this team, he has gotten infinitely more complacent. The only thing he recognizes in *new* additions to the team, at this point, are players willing to play the NHL 'plugger' style that defined his playing career. Veteran (on other teams) or rookie, screw your offensive abilities or accomplishments, play his style or else. The most frustrating part of his neanderthal mentality is that it only applies to newcomers, or those not already pre-established in the 'Sullivan' style in their career, i.e. Nieto. For those already established on his roster (Letang, Malkin, even DOC)... defensive shortcomings are given a free pass shift after shift, game after game. Bring in a Norris trophy winning, elite scoring defenseman... Sullivan will neuter him until he "fixes" his defensive game.

Bring in players that give a chance at occasional bottom six scoring (Lizotte, Puljujarvi)... scratch them, demote them, waive them... whatever it takes to limit their ice time. Play one goal Glass in the top six? Hell yes! I am beyond ready to see the post-Sullivan Penguins.

[Antonio]

Agreed. I have watched and frankly cared, less about penguin hockey this year than I have in the close to 40 years I've been a fan. I've made multiple cross country trips to Pittsburgh just to watch home games, traveled to nearby states to watch games, and now I don't even barely keep up on what days they even play let alone religiously tune in. When this organization shows it cares about making it an interesting and enjoyable product with a defensible and intelligent direction, I'll come back. As long as they keep acting like fans (who literally pay the bills and are the only reason this team, league, and collection of millionaire/billionaires related to a "game" exists) are just stupid money cows that will keep coming and showing up mindlessly to be milked financially, I'll keep being disinterested.

[Daniel]

As Sullivan has gotten more comfortable in his position on this team, he has gotten infinitely more complacent. The only thing he recognizes in *new* additions to the team, at this point, are players willing to play the NHL 'plugger' style that defined his playing career. Veteran (on other teams) or rookie, screw your offensive abilities or accomplishments, play his style or else. The most frustrating part of his neanderthal mentality is that it only applies to newcomers, or those not already pre-established in the 'Sullivan' style in their career, i.e. Nieto. For those already established on his roster (Letang, Malkin, even DOC)... defensive shortcomings are given a free pass shift after shift, game after game. Bring in a Norris trophy winning, elite scoring defenseman... Sullivan will neuter him until he "fixes" his defensive game.

Bring in players that give a chance at occasional bottom six scoring (Lizotte, Puljujarvi)... scratch them, demote them, waive them... whatever it takes to limit their ice time. Play one goal Glass in the top six? Hell yes! I am beyond ready to see the post-Sullivan Penguins.

Not only are the Penguins ruining this franchise, but Mike Sullivan is doing himself no favors by staying. If he wants to win, why not go somewhere fresh where he can regroup and his stale approach might be fresh? Something like Utah that is a little younger, seems fast, might be able to play his system. Fresh start for him, fresh start for the Penguins. But nope, let's keep this stale situation until the team implodes.

[Pens4Life]

As Sullivan has gotten more comfortable in his position on this team, he has gotten infinitely more complacent. The only thing he recognizes in *new* additions to the team, at this point, are players willing to play the NHL 'plugger' style that defined his playing career. Veteran (on other teams) or rookie, screw your offensive abilities or accomplishments, play his style or else. The most frustrating part of his neanderthal mentality is that it only applies to newcomers, or those not already pre-established in the 'Sullivan' style in their career, i.e. Nieto. For those already established on his roster (Letang, Malkin, even DOC)... defensive shortcomings are given a free pass shift after shift, game after game. Bring in a Norris trophy winning, elite scoring defenseman... Sullivan will neuter him until he "fixes" his defensive game.

Bring in players that give a chance at occasional bottom six scoring (Lizotte, Puljujarvi)... scratch them, demote them, waive them... whatever it takes to limit their ice time. Play one goal Glass in the top six? Hell yes! I am beyond ready to see the post-Sullivan Penguins.

Yep, he is unconsistent in his own consistency lol.. with him I realized thru years, its just personal agenda.. or he likes the player or he doesnt, not really about on ice performance,thats just his bulls**t fairytales! We have seen it thru many years with many players..

[Antonio]

As Sullivan has gotten more comfortable in his position on this team, he has gotten infinitely more complacent. The only thing he recognizes in *new* additions to the team, at this point, are players willing to play the NHL 'plugger' style that defined his playing career. Veteran (on other teams) or rookie, screw your offensive abilities or accomplishments, play his style or else. The most frustrating part of his neanderthal mentality is that it only applies to newcomers, or those not already pre-established in the 'Sullivan' style in their career, i.e. Nieto. For those already established on his roster (Letang, Malkin, even DOC)... defensive shortcomings are given a free pass shift after shift, game after game. Bring in a Norris trophy winning, elite scoring defenseman... Sullivan will neuter him until he "fixes" his defensive game.

Bring in players that give a chance at occasional bottom six scoring (Lizotte, Puljujarvi)... scratch them, demote them, waive them... whatever it takes to limit their ice time. Play one goal Glass in the top six? Hell yes! I am beyond ready to see the post-Sullivan Penguins.

Not only are the Penguins ruining this franchise, but Mike Sullivan is doing himself no favors by staying. If he wants to win, why not go somewhere fresh where he can regroup and his stale approach might be fresh? Something like Utah that is a little younger, seems fast, might be able to play his system. Fresh start for him, fresh start for the Penguins. But nope, let's keep this stale situation until the team implodes.

Why would he leave? He has eternal diplomatic immunity here and if he gets his ego stroked endlessly. If he leaves, he would likely be faced with realistic conditions for maintaining his job and would find himself out again in fairly short order. The guy makes millions here with no regard for success, so I would stay if I were him as well.

[Toke]

Unfortunately I’ve come to that point as well as I find myself more interested in watching other teams (Dallas, Utah & Anaheim for example) of whom I find to be far more entertaining. My eye is wandering……can’t help it. This team, as loyal as I am, simply doesn’t do it for me anymore. Of course I’ll never leave them but I would be invigorated should they decide to finally send Sully packing. That move alone would peak my interest enough to tune in regularly.

[FLPensFan]

Tomasino out due to injury (unknown extent as of yet); Beauvillier back in.

Somewhere, Jesse Puljujarvi is looking to see if Jeff Gillooly is still around to help with a problem...

[Zalapski33]

Tomasino out due to injury (unknown extent as of yet); Beauvillier back in.

Somewhere, Jesse Puljujarvi is looking to see if Jeff Gillooly is still around to help with a problem...

Beauvilier,Acciari,Hayes,Glass,Nieto.

This is what the Pens are going to strike fear in their opponents with their energy,physicality(Acciari gets a pass),relentless checking ability and ability to defend.

[Maestro]

Unfortunately I’ve come to that point as well as I find myself more interested in watching other teams (Dallas, Utah & Anaheim for example) of whom I find to be far more entertaining. My eye is wandering……can’t help it. This team, as loyal as I am, simply doesn’t do it for me anymore. Of course I’ll never leave them but I would be invigorated should they decide to finally send Sully packing. That move alone would peak my interest enough to tune in regularly.

Me too. Kings games are starting to win me over especially with Quinton Byfield on a hot streak. If Gabriel Landeskog returns then the Avalanche will interest me more than a Groundhog Day non-playoff, rinse repeat stale Penguins.

[Daniel]

As Sullivan has gotten more comfortable in his position on this team, he has gotten infinitely more complacent. The only thing he recognizes in *new* additions to the team, at this point, are players willing to play the NHL 'plugger' style that defined his playing career. Veteran (on other teams) or rookie, screw your offensive abilities or accomplishments, play his style or else. The most frustrating part of his neanderthal mentality is that it only applies to newcomers, or those not already pre-established in the 'Sullivan' style in their career, i.e. Nieto. For those already established on his roster (Letang, Malkin, even DOC)... defensive shortcomings are given a free pass shift after shift, game after game. Bring in a Norris trophy winning, elite scoring defenseman... Sullivan will neuter him until he "fixes" his defensive game.

Bring in players that give a chance at occasional bottom six scoring (Lizotte, Puljujarvi)... scratch them, demote them, waive them... whatever it takes to limit their ice time. Play one goal Glass in the top six? Hell yes! I am beyond ready to see the post-Sullivan Penguins.

Not only are the Penguins ruining this franchise, but Mike Sullivan is doing himself no favors by staying. If he wants to win, why not go somewhere fresh where he can regroup and his stale approach might be fresh? Something like Utah that is a little younger, seems fast, might be able to play his system. Fresh start for him, fresh start for the Penguins. But nope, let's keep this stale situation until the team implodes.

Why would he leave? He has eternal diplomatic immunity here and if he gets his ego stroked endlessly. If he leaves, he would likely be faced with realistic conditions for maintaining his job and would find himself out again in fairly short order. The guy makes millions here with no regard for success, so I would stay if I were him as well.

Don’t disagree but one would think he’d want to win.

[Pens4Life]

Mike Sullivan is next GM of Pens.. that will happen sooner than he will get fired as coach LOL

[BigMcK]

Unfortunately I’ve come to that point as well as I find myself more interested in watching other teams (Dallas, Utah & Anaheim for example) of whom I find to be far more entertaining. My eye is wandering……can’t help it. This team, as loyal as I am, simply doesn’t do it for me anymore. Of course I’ll never leave them but I would be invigorated should they decide to finally send Sully packing. That move alone would peak my interest enough to tune in regularly.

Me too. Kings games are starting to win me over especially with Quinton Byfield on a hot streak. If Gabriel Landeskog returns then the Avalanche will interest me more than a Groundhog Day non-playoff, rinse repeat stale Penguins.

Had season tickets for the Kings (and Ontario Reign after being priced out of Staples Center and a bad experience with a person with a gun), live close to the Ducks, and was a very frequent attendee to the Coyotes, my 'team' is the Penguins.

This iteration of the Penguins with a Teflon shielded coach, junior manager GM, and greedy ownership, has stained the Penguins Greatness of before when Mario laced up his skates, threw the team on his back, and saved the franchise in Pittsburgh.

My seat well earned for many years of support is safe. At some point, hopefully Mario gets off his ass and realizes many people like me want him to earn back respect lost for this Corporate cluster ****! Or he can revisit the wine cellar and have memory fade of how the fan base rooted for him to become the GOAT.

When Utah team settles on a real name and emblem I may grab a jersey and go see a game. Phoenix Coyotes is way better than Utah too lazy to create an identity name.

[IntangibleBeer]

I MUST START OFF THE NEW YEAR CORRECTLY…..

FIRE SULLY NOW!!!

Agreed. And while we’re at it, fire TOMLIN as well!!!!

I watched last night’s ineptitude and it reminded me of the Penguins situation. Although the Steelers could do much better without Tomlin’s stupidity and Russell’s diminished abilities.

[FLPensFan]

McGroarty heating up? 2 goals last night

Goal #1:

Goal #2:

McGroarty told Matt Vensel of the PG yesterday that he was never scared of going to the AHL or demanding not to go to the AHL (with Winnipeg). He was told by Dubas heading into training camp that he was likely going to start the season in the AHL. He got the 2 game stint because of injuries.

He also said he struggled to adjust a bit coming from NCAA to AHL. More attention to detail, being at your spots, less chances overall with the puck.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pen ... 2412300102

Filip Larsson got a shut out in the 5-0 victory last night. He's now tied for the league lead with 4 shutouts. The Penguins sure seem to have a lot of guys chomping on the bit to get a look at this level:
--Broz
--Ponomarev
--McGroarty
--Larsson
--Blomqvist

[Daniel]

McGroarty heating up? 2 goals last night

Goal #1:

Goal #2:

McGroarty told Matt Vensel of the PG yesterday that he was never scared of going to the AHL or demanding not to go to the AHL (with Winnipeg). He was told by Dubas heading into training camp that he was likely going to start the season in the AHL. He got the 2 game stint because of injuries.

He also said he struggled to adjust a bit coming from NCAA to AHL. More attention to detail, being at your spots, less chances overall with the puck.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pen ... 2412300102

Filip Larsson got a shut out in the 5-0 victory last night. He's now tied for the league lead with 4 shutouts. The Penguins sure seem to have a lot of guys chomping on the bit to get a look at this level:
--Broz
--Ponomarev
--McGroarty
--Larsson
--Blomqvist

I wonder if not being in WBS training came because he was with the Pens the whole time held him back a bit. Not for playing but scheme and chemistry with the other players. Even MacDonald said he put him into the deep end and had to pull him back. Not worried because he seems to be fine, just wondering.

[FLPensFan]

McGroarty heating up? 2 goals last night

Goal #1:

Goal #2:

McGroarty told Matt Vensel of the PG yesterday that he was never scared of going to the AHL or demanding not to go to the AHL (with Winnipeg). He was told by Dubas heading into training camp that he was likely going to start the season in the AHL. He got the 2 game stint because of injuries.

He also said he struggled to adjust a bit coming from NCAA to AHL. More attention to detail, being at your spots, less chances overall with the puck.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pen ... 2412300102

Filip Larsson got a shut out in the 5-0 victory last night. He's now tied for the league lead with 4 shutouts. The Penguins sure seem to have a lot of guys chomping on the bit to get a look at this level:
--Broz
--Ponomarev
--McGroarty
--Larsson
--Blomqvist

I wonder if not being in WBS training came because he was with the Pens the whole time held him back a bit. Not for playing but scheme and chemistry with the other players. Even MacDonald said he put him into the deep end and had to pull him back. Not worried because he seems to be fine, just wondering.

I would imagine that at the NHL training camp, he had concepts a d systems thrown at him at a much faster pace than he would have at the AHL camp. He probably drank from the fire hose in the NHL, absorbed a bit, and has now been picking up more as he's played in WBS.

Also wanted to mention Bemstrom as another guy I wouldn't mind seeing here, or Boris Katchouk. Bematrom is putting up good numbers, and Kingerski said earlier this season he was given a directive on what he needed to bring every night in terms of forecheck and such, and he's been doing it well consistently.

Katchouk has been playing very well at the AHL level and I always thought he had a bit of snarl to his game.

So many hungry youthful players down there that would be more of a spark than the geriatric 3 in the NHL.

[Puck-Lurker]

McGroarty heating up? 2 goals last night

Goal #1:

Goal #2:

McGroarty told Matt Vensel of the PG yesterday that he was never scared of going to the AHL or demanding not to go to the AHL (with Winnipeg). He was told by Dubas heading into training camp that he was likely going to start the season in the AHL. He got the 2 game stint because of injuries.

He also said he struggled to adjust a bit coming from NCAA to AHL. More attention to detail, being at your spots, less chances overall with the puck.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pen ... 2412300102

Filip Larsson got a shut out in the 5-0 victory last night. He's now tied for the league lead with 4 shutouts. The Penguins sure seem to have a lot of guys chomping on the bit to get a look at this level:
--Broz
--Ponomarev
--McGroarty
--Larsson
--Blomqvist

I wonder if not being in WBS training came because he was with the Pens the whole time held him back a bit. Not for playing but scheme and chemistry with the other players. Even MacDonald said he put him into the deep end and had to pull him back. Not worried because he seems to be fine, just wondering.

I would imagine that at the NHL training camp, he had concepts a d systems thrown at him at a much faster pace than he would have at the AHL camp. He probably drank from the fire hose in the NHL, absorbed a bit, and has now been picking up more as he's played in WBS.

Also wanted to mention Bemstrom as another guy I wouldn't mind seeing here, or Boris Katchouk. Bematrom is putting up good numbers, and Kingerski said earlier this season he was given a directive on what he needed to bring every night in terms of forecheck and such, and he's been doing it well consistently.

Katchouk has been playing very well at the AHL level and I always thought he had a bit of snarl to his game.

So many hungry youthful players down there that would be more of a spark than the geriatric 3 in the NHL.

But Nieto does a lot of things that Bemström doesn't. Bemström doesn't know how Sullivan likes his coffee.

In my opinion, Dubas needs to kick the tyres on any trade right now. Make room at the inn for younger players.

[Daniel]

McGroarty heating up? 2 goals last night

Goal #1:

Goal #2:

McGroarty told Matt Vensel of the PG yesterday that he was never scared of going to the AHL or demanding not to go to the AHL (with Winnipeg). He was told by Dubas heading into training camp that he was likely going to start the season in the AHL. He got the 2 game stint because of injuries.

He also said he struggled to adjust a bit coming from NCAA to AHL. More attention to detail, being at your spots, less chances overall with the puck.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pen ... 2412300102

Filip Larsson got a shut out in the 5-0 victory last night. He's now tied for the league lead with 4 shutouts. The Penguins sure seem to have a lot of guys chomping on the bit to get a look at this level:
--Broz
--Ponomarev
--McGroarty
--Larsson
--Blomqvist

I wonder if not being in WBS training came because he was with the Pens the whole time held him back a bit. Not for playing but scheme and chemistry with the other players. Even MacDonald said he put him into the deep end and had to pull him back. Not worried because he seems to be fine, just wondering.

I would imagine that at the NHL training camp, he had concepts a d systems thrown at him at a much faster pace than he would have at the AHL camp. He probably drank from the fire hose in the NHL, absorbed a bit, and has now been picking up more as he's played in WBS.

Also wanted to mention Bemstrom as another guy I wouldn't mind seeing here, or Boris Katchouk. Bematrom is putting up good numbers, and Kingerski said earlier this season he was given a directive on what he needed to bring every night in terms of forecheck and such, and he's been doing it well consistently.

Katchouk has been playing very well at the AHL level and I always thought he had a bit of snarl to his game.

So many hungry youthful players down there that would be more of a spark than the geriatric 3 in the NHL.

That's exactly it I think. Give him 100% quickly, see how much he absorbs, pull back and let him work on it all. I think it's a good coaching technique but the player has to be mentally strong, which he seems to be.